Mexico tours & travel

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Peel back the lucha libre mask and you’ll find a patchwork of cultures and customs mixed into one tequila-drenched country.

The gregarious locals are just as likely to pull you up for a dance at one of Mexico City’s hip-shaking salsa clubs as they are to show you the way to one of the country’s many ancient ruins, all with a casual ‘hola’ and an inviting smile. While our tours get you up close with locals, they also show you the best sights from on and off the gringo trail. You can party until dawn in Playa del Carmen, eat your way into a food coma in Oaxaca, or, best of all, kick back with a horchata in the lazy seaside port of Merida.

San Cristobal

Accommodation in Mexico

Travelling with Intrepid is a little bit different. We endeavour to provide travellers with an authentic experience to remember, so we try to keep accommodation as unique and traditional as possible.

When travelling with us in Mexico you may find yourself staying in a:

Basic Hotel

Intrepid prefers smaller character-filled hotels and guesthouses than hotel chains. When on holiday in Mexico, enjoy staying in small hotels owned and run by friendly locals.

Mexico holiday information

At a glance

At a glance

Capital city:

Mexico City (population 8.7 million)

Population:

113.7 million

Language:

Spanish

Currency:

MXN

Time zone:

(GMT-06:00) Guadalajara, Mexico City, Monterrey - New

Electricity:

Type A (North American/Japanese 2-pin) Type B (American 3-pin)

Dialing code:

+52

Best time to visit Mexico

Best time to visit Mexico

Mexico is generally most pleasant in the cool, dry season between September and June. July and August can be very hot and humid, but perfect for swimming, snorkelling and lazing on the beach. It is, however, the busiest months for travel as this is the time of the North American school holidays. Highland areas such as Chiapas and Oaxaca tend to be cooler year round, with cold nights.

Culture and customs

Culture and customs

Mexico lays claim to one of the richest and most historic cultures in the world. Characterised by strong regional identity, locals are affiliated directly to the region they hail from with each region having its own unique customs, cuisine and even language dialect. Despite this, national identity is still strong with all Mexicans sharing common bonds over their love of sport, dance, food and religion. With most of the country belonging to the Roman Catholic religion, religious festivals and celebrations are plentiful in Mexico. Parades, street fairs and parties held in honour of local saints are commonplace, and offer travellers the chance to witness the customs and rituals of this vibrant culture.

Eating and drinking

Eating and drinking

One of Mexico's biggest drawcards is its food and drink. From Oaxaca's indigenous staples to the sizzling street food of Mexico City, there's almost too much choice for the hungry traveller. By the end of your Mexico tour you'll know your tacos from your tamales, your enchiladas from your elote and your tequila from your mezcal.

Geography and environment

Geography and environment

Mexico shares land borders with the United States, Belize and Guatemala, and has extensive coastline that runs along the Gulf of Mexico, Pacific Ocean and Caribbean Sea. Featuring a wide variety of natural environments, Mexico is home to tracts of tropical rainforests, vast areas of low-lying plains and desert, volcanic mountains and temperate beaches and lagoons. Its capital and major cities are typically built up, busy and lively – with a vast network of public transport, highways and roads. Rural areas, on the other hand, are distinctly less developed, with small-scale housing, unsealed roads and rustic farms.

History and government

History and government

Early History

People have been living in Mexico for more than 13,000 years. Mesoamericans occupied the area early on, with archaeological evidence pointing towards Mesoamericans leading a hunter-gatherer existence. Maize farming is thought to have become commonplace by 1500 BC, which led to the farming of other commodities as well. A variety of cultures contributed to the early history of Mexico, with the Olmec, Toltec, Maya, Teotihuacan and Aztecs all bringing unique cultural, religious and artistic styles to the region, with the Mayan and Aztec Empires having the greatest (and most enduring) impact on the region.

Mayan society can be traced back to 300 BC, while the Aztecs enjoyed prosperity from 1325 to around 1521 AD. Many ancient ruins and constructions from these periods are still standing all throughout Mexico, and can be visited and viewed today. By the 16th century, the Spanish had arrived in Mexico and what followed was a period of colonialism that lasted nearly 300 years.

During this time, Mexico was seen as a part of ‘New Spain’ along with Cuba and Puerto Rico. This was not a particularly good time for Mexicans who (under colonial law) were generally not allowed to travel outside of Mexico and were denied access to education. Mexico achieved independence from the Spaniards after the War of Independence (1810-1821) but peace was short lived as two decades later the Mexican-American War brought more confrontation and armed conflict to parts of Mexico.

Recent History

Mexico’s Revolution of 1910 - 1921 was a period of instability, marked by political turmoil and bloodshed. More recently, Mexico has enjoyed an economic resurgence after decades of economic hardship, which lasted from the 1970s to the mid 1990s. The earthquake of 1985 didn’t help matters, with wide-scale damage and loss of life compounding the economic problems and political uncertainty of Mexico. Currently, Mexico is benefiting from a period of improved economic conditions, although the gap between the wages earned by Mexicans and their northern neighbours continues to widen. Mexico is now operating in a free market economy and the growth of tourism, agriculture and industry has ensured an improved economy for the country, although financial inequality still exists within.

Memorable Moments of Mexico

Memorable Moments of Mexico

Top 10 Memorable Moments of Mexico

1. Ramble Among the Ruins

A visit to the famed ruins of Chichen Itza reveals history, ancient architecture and wildlife in equal measures. Walk through the complex and hear jungle animal calls as colourful birds fly among the canopy. This is a stirring experience to treasure.

2. Bittersweet Bites

The cult of chocolate is well and truly alive in Oaxaca! The flavours here are simply phenomenal and unlike mass-produced chocolate in the Western world. Spiced with chilli, cinnamon and cloves, you won’t soon forget the taste of Oaxacan chocolate.

4. Mountain Majesty

The cooler climate and fresh mountain air of San Cristobal de las Casas provides some respite from the city heat. Chilling out in this relaxed and visually stunning area is a magical Mexican moment.

5. Bus Buddies

Catching a local bus in Mexico is a never-ending source of amusement. Overcome the language barrier and make friends with local commuters to pass the time.

6. Tequila!

No visit to Mexico is complete without downing a little bit of the national drink. While you may not remember every detail the morning after, good times and memorable holiday snapshots are guaranteed when tequila’s involved.

7. Volcanic Splendour

8. Village People

Sharing smiles and laughs with locals while strolling through the rural villages of Mexico is a life affirming and touching experience to cherish.

9. Mariachi Melodies

Sway to the unique sounds of Mexico’s mariachi music in the streets and cafes of Mexico. The rhythms and beats will live in your heart for years to come.

10. To Market, To Market

Witness Latin America’s time honoured commercial traditions unfold at Mexico’s well-patronised markets. Hear the banter of stallholders, smell the fragrant scent of sizzling meat and admire the colourful array of wares on offer.

Shopping

Shopping

Travellers will be delighted with the range of good quality shopping available in Mexico. As usual, the markets offer some of the most cost-effective and fun ways to shop, although Mexico’s cities also showcase some excellent boutiques and galleries for more costly purchases.

It's a good idea to check with your local customs officials to ensure that you are able to bring certain items back into your home country. Australia and New Zealand generally have strict quarantine laws.

Things to buy in Mexico

1. Tiles, Ceramics and Earthenware

Mexico has a longstanding tradition in creating good quality pottery. Hit the artisan markets for colourful pots, vases and jugs. Don’t forget to pack carefully.

2. Bright Textiles

Woven textiles can be found almost everywhere in Mexico. Hand-woven rugs, blankets, scarves and ponchos are a great reminder of your time in Mexico.

3. Jewellery

The silver in Mexico is among the world's best. Rings, necklaces and bracelets featuring bold Aztec designs are popular choices.

4. Lucha Libre Masks

This Mexican wrestling phenomenon is growing in popularity worldwide, so grab a colourful wrestling mask - it’s a great souvenir for kids (and big kids) at home.

Festivals and Events in Mexico

Festivals and Events in Mexico

Mexico is the land of the fiesta and the locals will find any reason to party. Whether they're celebrating independence, the saints or the dead, you can expect vibrant colours, lively music and a whole lot of dancing. One to keep an eye out for is the Autumn Equinox, when crowds gather at Chichen Itza to witness the sunlight and shadows play tricks on this ancient relic. During the autumn (and spring) equinox, the sun moves across Chichen Itza, illuminating parts of the temple to reveal the moving body of a snake. Not seen on any other days, this natural spectacle draws thousands of pilgrims.

Health and Safety

Health and Safety

Intrepid takes the health and safety of its travellers seriously, and takes every measure to ensure that trips are safe, fun and enjoyable for everyone. We recommend that all travellers check with their government or national travel advisory organisation for the latest information before departure:

Mexico has long been a popular tourist destination and most travellers do not run into any trouble. There are, however, areas that experience high levels of violent crime as a result of lawlessness and drug trafficking. That said, you can rest assured that Intrepid would not take you anywhere unless we were convinced it was safe.

All tourists travelling to Mexico need a tourist permit, but not all need a visa. Citizens of the US, EU, Canada, the UK, Australia and New Zealand are among those that do not need a visa and can obtain a tourist permit on arrival.

Tipping is expected in most parts of Mexico. The service workers typically earn a low wage and rely on tips to earn a decent living. We recommend leaving 10–15 per cent at restaurants (if the service charge is not already included), 5–10 per cent of your room cost for housekeepers, and a few dollars for porters, bartenders and guides.

Internet access is good in Mexico with wi-fi available in most accommodations, bigger restaurants, airports and in some public spaces. It’s also easy and affordable to buy a local SIM card for the duration of your Mexico tour.

If you wish to use your mobile/cell phone while in Mexico be sure to activate global roaming before leaving your home country. You should also check with your provider regarding any charges you may incur when overseas.

If you wish to purchase a local SIM card in Mexico, your phone must first be unlocked. For more information on local SIM cards, please read about internet access in Mexico.

It's likely that you will encounter different types of toilets while travelling in Mexico. Western-style flushable toilets are commonly found in high-end resorts, hotels and restaurants, while squat toilets are common in rural areas and homes. Be prepared by carrying your own supply of toilet paper and soap, as these aren't always provided.

For environmental reasons, try to avoid buying bottle water and fill a reusable water bottle or canteen with filtered water instead. Ask your leader where filtered water can be found; some hotels we stay in may have drinking water available, often boiled to use for tea or coffee.

It’s also advisable to avoid ice in drinks and to peel fruit and vegetables before eating.

Credit cards are generally accepted in Mexico at large stores and most mid- high-range hotels. Some cafes, bars and restaurants may accept card too, but the places with real character – and the best local food – tend to be cash only.

ATMs are available across towns and cities in Mexico. Travellers should not encounter trouble finding an ATM but be wary of international transaction fees. For your own safety, try to use ATMs in daylight hours.

Absolutely. All passengers travelling with Intrepid are required to purchase travel insurance before the start of their tour. Your travel insurance details will be recorded by your leader on the first day of the trip. Due to the varying nature, availability and cost of health care around the world, travel insurance is very much an essential and necessary part of every journey.

Mexico is becoming increasingly more accepting of same-sex relationships and has laws in place to protect those that identify differently, but it remains a country of strong Catholicism that has historically been hostile towards the local LGBTQIA+ community.

For more detailed and up-to-date advice, we recommend visiting Equaldex or ILGA before you travel.

If you are travelling solo on an Intrepid group tour, you will share accommodation with a passenger of the same gender as per your passport information. If you don’t identify with the gender assigned on your passport, please let us know at time of booking and we’ll arrange the rooming configuration accordingly. A single supplement is available on some tours for travellers who do not wish to share a room.

Intrepid is committed to making travel widely accessible, regardless of ability or disability. That’s why we do our best to help as many people see the world as possible, regardless of any physical or mental limitations they might have. We’re always happy to talk to travellers with disabilities and see if we can help guide them towards the most suitable itinerary for their needs and, where possible, make reasonable adjustments to our itineraries.

Tourist destinations in Mexico including Mexico City and the resort areas on the Yucatan Peninsula are seeing an increasing number of hotels, restaurants and tourist sights fitted out to accommodate travellers with limitations. That said, it can still be difficult for those with mobility issues and visual and hearing issues, particularly on public transport. We recommend using taxis to move around locally and flying between cities if possible unless, of course, you are on an Intrepid Mexico tour.

If you do live with a visual, hearing or other impairment, let your booking agent or group leader know early on so they’re aware and suitable arrangements can be made. As a general rule, knowing some common words in the local language, carrying a written itinerary with you and taking to the streets in a group, rather than solo, can help make your travel experience the best it can be.

What you pack for your Mexico tour will depend on where you are travelling to. Mexico City, for example, will be much cooler than the coastal areas thanks to its high altitude. In the winter it can drop down towards freezing at night while reaching 23°C (73°C) during the day, so it’s important to be prepared for both ends of the spectrum.

Responsible Travel

Intrepid is committed to travelling in a way that is respectful of local people, their culture, local economies and the environment. It's important to remember that what may be acceptable behaviour, dress and language in your own country, may not be appropriate in another. Please keep this in mind while travelling.

How we're giving back

In Mexico, we stay in locally run accommodation including guesthouses, smaller-scale hotels and homestays in an effort to support the local economies. We also visit locally run restaurants and markets where travellers will have opportunities to support local businesses and purchase handicrafts created by local artisans.